Beijing signed a landmark deal with Sudan Saturday, July 28, to deliver 17 China-made ships to the African country within the next two-and-a-half years, according to state-run press.

Xinhua said that the agreement marked the first time China had exported ships to the African continent. It also said that the last time Sudan imported foreign ships was in the 1980s.

The ships will be built by Wuchang Shipyard in China's central Hubei province. The shipbuilder has also made ocean-going vessels for Egypt, Xinhua said.

The Wuhan-based Xingda Corporation signed an agreement of intent with Sudan in 1999 to produce ships valued at $34 million, including the first group of 17 ships. All the ships will be transported in parts to Sudan and assembled at an inland port, Xinhua said. ― (AFP, Beijing)